Infectious hepatitis is transmitted by one of several viruses, but primarily the following:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is found in feces and in the intestinal tract, and can be spread by:

• Eating contaminated food prepared by an infected person who did not wash their hands properly
• Anal/oral sexual practices
• Eating contaminated shellfish
• Drinking contaminated water

The hepatitis A virus is rarely transmitted via the blood-borne route, and is never transmitted through the air or by casual contact such as coughing, sneezing, or being in the same area as an infected person

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is found in blood, seminal fluids, vaginal secretions, and other body fluids. The virus can be spread by:

• Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, especially among persons with multiple sex partners or men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Contact with contaminated needles, especially injection drug equipment. Other items such as tattoo and body piercing instruments, razors, and toothbrushes may be contaminated with infected blood
• An infected mother to her infant during delivery
• Household contact with an infected person
• Occupational exposure through accidental needle stick

The hepatitis B virus is not an airborne virus, and is never transmitted through casual contact such as coughing, sneezing, being in the same area as an infected person, or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) typically produces a symptomless liver infection that can lead, over decades, to severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Most of those infected are unaware that they have the disease, and may serve as unknowing sources of transmission. Hepatitis C is found in blood, and can be spread by:

• Sharing injection drug equipment
• Blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
• Receiving clotting factor concentrates before 1987
• An infected mother to her infant during delivery
• Occupational exposure through needle stick
• Sexual contact (rarely)

The Seminole County Health Department Hepatitis Program provides free viral hepatitis testing to people who may be at risk for the disease. Qualified adults can also receive free vaccine against Hepatitis A and B.

The program also hosts a monthly support group for all central Florida residents.

For more information on Hepatitis, please visit the Florida Hepatitis and Liver Failure Prevention and Control Program website